Hillingdon has officially welcomed a new Mayor after Cllr Philip Corthorne was voted in during the council’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8 May.
Cllr Corthorne takes over from outgoing Mayor Cllr Colleen Sullivan and will now serve as the borough’s first citizen and ceremonial head for the year ahead.
The Mayor’s role includes representing the borough at civic events, such as Remembrance Day services and royal visits, as well as chairing meetings of the full council. The position is symbolic of the borough’s continuity and diversity, with the Mayor able to come from any class, gender or ethnic background.
Cllr Corthorne will be supported by his wife Fiona and daughter Hannah, who will serve as Mayoresses, and Cllr Reeta Chamdal, who has been appointed Deputy Mayor.
Speaking about his appointment, Cllr Corthorne said: “It’s a great honour to be the next Mayor of Hillingdon and I will do my best to continue to build relationships in the community, meet individuals and residents who are making such positive contributions to our wonderful borough. I look forward to being able to represent the borough, and our communities, while carrying out my official duties.”
His first major event will be the Mayor’s Picnic in the Park at Cowley Recreation Ground on Saturday 7 June, which will mark Hillingdon’s Diamond Jubilee.
Cllr Corthorne has lived in Ruislip for most of the time since 1970 and was first elected as a councillor in 1993. He has served in various Cabinet roles including housing, social services, and environment.
During his year in office, he aims to support volunteers, especially young people, and encourage stronger connections between local businesses.
He said: “There is so much goodwill and public spiritedness in our borough, and I’d like to harness that to help benefit even more of our communities.
“I’m also keen to help businesses in the borough create even better connections and partnerships with one another, as I see this an opportunity to build on the excellent work already being done. I’m open to suggestions from local businesses and other organisations and keen to hear their ideas.”
Cllr Corthorne has chosen SEND Family Support and the Hillingdon Stroke Support Group as his two charities for the year. He has a personal connection with the latter, having suffered a stroke in 2017 and worked to regain his speech.
Outside of his civic duties, he enjoys cricket, football and travel. He has four adult children and a baby granddaughter named Jemima.
Reflecting on her time as Mayor, Cllr Colleen Sullivan said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed attending so many events and meeting our residents, who work tirelessly for the benefit of their communities, and make our diverse borough such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
“It has been a remarkable year and one I will never forget. I have so many fond memories, and it’s been an honour to serve as Mayor.”
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